FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Direct Primary Care (DPC)?

Direct Primary Care, or DPC, is a model that returns to the root of health care by putting patients first. By separating patient care from traditional insurance, DPC allows timely access, longer visits and less red tape. For more information about DPC, visit our About Direct Primary Care page.

What sets Glacier DPC apart from other practices?

Glacier DPC is the first pure DPC practice in the Flathead Valley and one of the first in the state of Montana for that matter. The direct patient-doctor relationship allows for personalized care, directly from your physician. Dr. Tabor-Manaker is the physician-owner with no other employees at this time- seems pretty simple!

Will I benefit from Glacier DPC if I don’t require frequent medical attention?

Yes. One of the great things about Glacier DPC is it enhances the patient-doctor relationship and allows for better access to a doctor for health maintenance issues in addition to unexpected problem visits. Should an unexpected medical issue pop up- your timely access to your doctor will get you back on the road to recovery faster!

Does Glacier DPC accept health insurance?

No, we do not, and that is the advantage of Glacier DPC. By removing the “middle man ” from this picture, Dr. Tabor-Manaker can focus on you during the visit. The need to stare at a screen and click boxes is not a barrier in direct care. With more time for visits due to less constraints- you and Dr. Tabor-Manaker drive your healthcare plan.

Can children become members of Glacier DPC?

As of now, membership is available to those 18 years of age and up.

What if I need medical attention while I’m away from home?

If you are traveling and need medical attention, seek care and use you regular insurance. With your authorization, we can speak to out-of-town providers to clarify your medical history. In most states Dr. Tabor-Manaker can call in forgotten medications into pharmacies. It will be important to follow up on your care when you return home.

What if I’m having a medical emergency?

If it is not an emergency but you feel you need prompt care, you can contact Glacier DPC at any time.

Can I get reimbursed for Glacier DPC fees from my HSA?

At this time no, but Congress is working to correct that with the Primary Care Enhancement Act of 2017 that is being discussed.

So really, why DPC?

It’s a simple formula for great health care: Less documentation + direct patient billing = longer visits and increased patient/doctor satisfaction. To better explain this concept , many DPC doctors will describe a “car insurance analogy”. If you own a car, you have car insurance. You have that insurance in case you have an accident to cover major repair costs. It would be silly to bundle everyday car items (car washes, wiper blades, gas, new tires) into that insurance. However, we know we need those routine items so we budget for those. We pay for these out of our own pocket. You could now pay for your Direct Primary Care doctor with some of the money you would be using towards your yearly deductible – all while having your physician’s e-mail address, cell phone number and access to quality care.

As a patient of Glacier DPC, will I still need health insurance?

Though we don’t accept it- we still want you to have it. Sound weird? You do not need insurance to come to Glacier DPC. In fact, we won’t even ask to see an insurance card. HOWEVER, we do recommend that our patients have health insurance to cover the cost of hospitalizations, specialist referrals, imaging, labs, etc.

If I have Medicare, can I still join Glacier DPC?

Absolutely! In fact, Dr. Tabor-Manaker has a special interest in geriatrics. While the membership cost is not covered by Medicare, we’ll take care of you. But we cannot bill Medicare and you are not allowed to submit bills to Medicare for reimbursement of Glacier DPC services. Labs, imaging and supplies can still be ordered by Dr. Tabor-Manaker and covered normally by your Medicare.

Is my membership to Glacier DPC tax deductible?

Unfortunately, no. The membership fee is considered a retainer and not a medical expense by IRS standards.

What happens if I need to go to the hospital or see a specialist?

If hospital care is needed, Glacier DPC can work with the hospital by providing any needed charts or information to ensure the best care possible. If possible, we can make a courtesy visit to you in the hospital if you wish, but we do not make care decisions while you are there. We will be sure to have a post-hospitalization or post- ER follow up visit with you in a timely manner. We can also refer you to the appropriate specialists if that need arises and work with those specialists to coordinate your care.

Can I contact my physician after hours or on the weekend? And how?

As a member of Glacier DPC, you will be able to contact Dr. Tabor-Manaker through telephone, email, and texts, so you will always have access to the doctor.